The conscious mind can handle only a small subset of data at one time, but the unconscious is great at taking in large amounts of data and finding patterns. If you want to see the patterns in big data, you have to engage the unconscious.

How much of these Psychology Today articles, or any articles are you actually reading? New data shows that the most people read is 60%, and that you can't assume that if people shared an article that they actually read it.

When you hear a story you are literally using more of your brain then when you are listening to facts and figures. And because you are having a richer brain event, you enjoy the experience more, you understand the information more deeply, and retain it longer. You are also more likely to release oxytocin in your brain, making it more likely that you will trust the speaker.

When you want to motivate someone it's a great idea to give them a lot of feedback on how they are doing. But when you mix praise in with the feedback you are sending a mixed message and dampening the desire for mastery.